This year’s run promises to be bigger than ever, with new surprises, a silent auction, live music and a BBQ lunch. Participants, young and old, along with pets, will either walk, run, or cycle through the scenic rural roads, embodying the same spirit of resilience and hope that defined Terry Fox’s iconic Marathon of Hope.

The Windermere Terry Fox Run was established in 2000 by Bev Longhurst after her daughter was diagnosed with cancer. What began as a humble event raising $2,016 in its first year has grown into one of the country’s most impressive per capita fundraising efforts. By 2023, the event had raised over $575,000 for cancer research. The funds raised each year continually contribute to life-saving research in the name of Terry Fox, whose Marathon of Hope in 1980 captured the hearts of millions across Canada.

Fox, who lost his right leg to osteosarcoma at the age of 18, set out to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Although his run was cut short after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres when cancer spread to his lungs, his legacy lives on through events like the Windermere run. Fox’s efforts have inspired millions globally, raising over $850 million for cancer research through annual Terry Fox Runs.

Linda Edwards, who has been volunteering with the event since 2001, noted that the success of the Windermere run is largely due to the unwavering support from local businesses and residents. “The sense of community here is overwhelming,” Edwards said. “Everyone pitches in, whether it’s volunteering, donating items for the silent auction, or simply showing up to walk or run. It’s inspiring to see how Terry’s dream continues to unite people.”

As the Windermere run gears up for its 25th anniversary, the message remains the same: keep Terry Fox’s dream alive and strive towards a world without cancer. As Bev Longhurst once said, “This run is about more than just raising money. It’s about remembering those we’ve lost and celebrating the survivors among us.”

Registration for the 2024 Windermere Terry Fox Run will begin at 8 a.m., with the run starting at 9 a.m. Participants can choose from various routes, from a 5 km to a 10 km loop, beginning and ending at the Windermere Community Centre. As they do each year, the residents of Windermere will lace up their sneakers, share stories, and continue Terry Fox’s legacy of hope, courage and community.

Thank you,

Randy Jackson
Windermere Terry Fox Run

The post Letter: Windermere Terry Fox Run Celebrates 25 Years On Sept. 15 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The event includes a day of pickleball followed by a gala with auctions, awards and a performance by Canadian rock artist Suzie McNeil. The games will be held at Cleveland’s House and a handful of cottages. Players can sign up in teams of two or four and fundraise to support research on melanoma, one of the few cancers on the rise, as well as other skin cancers. Actors Emily Hampshire, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Billy Baldwin will join SportsCentre anchor Lindsay Hamilton as the tournament’s celebrity participants.

“We’re going to be hanging out in Muskoka, a full-day tournament of pickleball followed by the pickleball gala, and the best part is that it supports a cause near and dear to my heart: Melanoma Canada,” Hamilton said in a promo video. “The goal is to end all deaths caused by melanoma, and we’re going to have a fun day in support of a great cause.”

She urges people to sign up and get their game faces on. She spent the summer hosting the Olympics, so while the tournament is open to all skill levels, she’s ready to bring her A-game.

“I will be channeling that Olympic energy for Rock the Pickle in Muskoka,” she said.

Actor Billy Baldwin said that while the pools and palm trees of Beverly Hills are great, it’s even better to visit Muskoka for Rock the Pickle. He’s familiar with the area after years of attending the Boat Rally for Kids and Cancer. 

“If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do this summer, I suggest you get off your butts and join me for the inaugural Rock the Pickle tournament to help smash out skin cancer in Canada,” Baldwin said in a video. “Rock the Pickle is going to be August 24th, and we will be playing at five spectacular cottages on Lake Joe and Rosseau.”

He said Muskoka is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so he’s glad to come back for an amazing cause. He can’t wait to see the tournament participants this weekend and hopes to raise a lot of money for the cause.

“Register today and help Melanoma Canada make a difference in the lives of those who are battling skin cancer,” he said. “And hey, if you sign up for a team, maybe we’ll play, maybe we’ll have a couple of cold ones, or maybe both.”

To register for the tournament or make a donation, visit the event website.

The post Inaugural Rock The Pickle Tournament Comes To Muskoka August 24 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. With two in five Canadians expected to develop cancer in their lifetime, and rates continuing to rise, the time to move cancer research forward is now. The funds raised at Northern Pass drive breakthrough cancer research, lead to life-saving advancements in early detection and help develop cutting-edge treatment options.

On a sunny, summer day, this small and mighty peloton of riders found their way through 40km – 160km routes in scenic cottage country, enjoying all the sights and sounds of the North from cycling on the Muskoka Airport tarmac, enjoying live music at the Muskoka Brewery pitstop, and taking in the refreshing falls at Port Sydney Dam. Thank you to the Muskoka community for their continued support and we look forward to next year’s event!

Cycling Event Aimed At Conquering Cancer Comes To Bracebridge On August 10

The post Northern Pass To Conquer Cancer Raises $1.5 Million For Cancer Research appeared first on Muskoka411.

With two in five Canadians expected to develop cancer in their lifetime, and rates continuing to rise, the time to move cancer research forward is now. Northern Pass riders and supporters are committed to raising funds for The Princess Margaret. Since the event’s inception seven years ago, Northern Pass has raised over $3.5 million and counting with these funds accelerating life-saving cancer research that will benefit patients across Canada and around the world. 

While taking his father to Princess Margaret for treatment, Francis noticed signs promoting Northern Pass. He immediately decided to ride in honour of his father to give back to an organization that helped their family when they needed it. Unfortunately, his father eventually passed away from lung cancer in 2020 and Francis channeled his desire to support cancer research by asking for donations to Northern Pass in lieu of flowers. Now riding for the fifth time, he is one of the many passionate riders determined to make an impact. Northern Pass also continues to be a way for Francis to celebrate his two loves: his dad and cycling. Training for Northern Pass for him has been therapeutic. Francis also attributes the time on the road as a mental wellness, a time he can find peace and reflection times that his childhood, dad and bikes were always a presence in his life.

The fundraising efforts of Northern Pass participants, like Francis, bring hope for a better tomorrow for all.  To learn more about Northern Pass or how to donate, please visit northernpass.ca. 

The post Cycling Event Aimed At Conquering Cancer Comes To Bracebridge On August 10 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Colorectal Cancer Resource and Action Network’s (CCRAN) inflatable Jumbo Colon will be on display at the Georgian Mall, 509 Bayfield Street, Barrie on the lower level near the food court on Monday, June 24 from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The Jumbo Colon is an immersive and interactive walk-through reproduction of a human colon where visitors are guided by audio/visual screens to see and feel the various pathologies of the colon, including polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and the different stages of colon cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is largely preventable with appropriate screening, yet it still remains one of the top three causes of cancer deaths in Canada. Prevention and early detection with stool samples or colonoscopy is far easier than the treatments which include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation,” says Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, Gastroenterologist at RVH and Cancer Care Ontario, Regional Lead for Simcoe-Muskoka.

Come out the see the Jumbo Colon and learn more about colorectal health. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people can be cured. In Simcoe Muskoka 34 per cent of eligible people are due for their screening.

Call the Simcoe Muskoka Cancer screening hotline 1-866-608-6910 to find out how to get screened.

The post Learn About Colorectal Cancer Prevention And Screening At The Jumbo Colon Exhibit appeared first on Muskoka411.

The riders will bike over 1,100 kilometres from May 27 to June 2, traversing a loop from Peterborough to Huntsville and back. Founder Gord Townley created the event to honour his late mother Lorraine, who died from pancreatic cancer. When the Townley family stepped away from running the event two years ago, Pancreatic Cancer Canada took over running the event and brought volunteer organizer Jack McKittrick on board to plan the routes and lead the tour. Last year’s ride raised $180,000, and this time around, the fundraising total is on track to hit $250,000.

“Throughout the week, we’ll have close to 50 people ride in portions of this, so that feels really good that we’ve managed to start to build it back up and hopefully even build it bigger than what we had in the past,” McKittrick said. “I’d personally like to see this become a really huge ride that people are aware of around Ontario.”

McKittrick envisions it as a signature event with a few hundred cyclists participating each year, so he’s dedicated himself to growing the event. He originally got involved with the 7 Days ride in 2018 in memory of his friend Ron. 

The two of them were childhood friends who met at a local church choir around the age of eight. They played sports, attended high school together and remained friends as adults. Before a group birthday trip to Calgary, Ron said something that ended up having more of an impact than he could ever know at the time.

“My one friend didn’t want to go and [Ron] said, ‘Look, I’m going because I’ve seen too many other friends that I’ve had to bury recently because of illnesses. So I’m going.’ So we all went,” McKittrick said. “Then a year later, he got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, so it was very astute of him to make that memory happen.”

After Ron was diagnosed, it wasn’t long before he died, which is often the case with pancreatic cancer. McKittrick said it was hard to watch him go through that process, so when one of his cycling friends brought up the 7 Days ride a few years later, it resonated with him as a chance to commemorate Ron while raising money for a crucial field of research.

Since his first 7 Days ride in 2018, he’s raised $32,000 through the event. It’s become a key part of his cycling life and a reason for him to stay in shape each year. He plans on continuing the ride for as long as he can manage it.

“I feel very proud I was able to raise that much money,” he said. “I never would have imagined I could do that when I started doing this ride, so I feel really good about my contribution to the community in terms of helping give back to Pancreatic Cancer.”

One of the best parts of the ride is it gives participants a chance to explore new parts of the province. For this year’s route, McKittrick decided to incorporate the gate-to-gate route through Algonquin Park. It’s an iconic ride that many cyclists have on their to-do list, and it allows the event to reach people throughout Muskoka, he said. 

Riding in late spring usually means avoiding the traffic of summer, but for the cars they do encounter, McKittrick said the cyclists appreciate the support of drivers who give them space and share the road. The time of year usually also means temperate weather, though they have encountered their hot or stormy days.

“There are some days you are riding and it’s not great weather,” he said. “It’s raining, it’s cold and you’re kind of thinking about giving up, but I think about Ron at those times and what he went through and that helps me push through those moments.”

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Canada, and roughly 50 per cent of patients die within four months of diagnosis. Though the five-year survival rate has improved marginally in the last decade, about 90 per cent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die from the disease.

Since it’s asymptomatic in its early stages, more research is needed to improve detection and treatment. Early detection for other cancers like breast and cervical cancer increases the five-year survival rate to at least 90 per cent. For McKittrick, that goal will be top of mind as he bikes the route and remembers his friend Ron.

“From the time somebody is aware they’ve got it until they pass on is usually measured in months, so it’s really difficult how fast it does take somebody,” he said. “For us, we’re doing this, obviously, so that we can help figure out ways to identify pancreatic cancer way sooner and bring up the survival rate.”

To learn more about 7 Days or to make a donation, click here.

The post Cyclists Ride Through Huntsville As Part Of 1,100-Kilometre Trip For Pancreatic Cancer appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Partnering with Cleaning for a Reason is an ideal match for our company’s goal since day one of supporting the local community in a meaningful way,” said Thompkins. “The impact of our surroundings on our physical and mental health, well-being, and mindset is significant and should not be underestimated. Cancer patients who are battling the disease and have appointments and treatments to keep up with should not have to worry about the cleanliness of their homes. This partnership enables us to offer patients the support they need by providing the gift of a clean home, allowing them to concentrate on their health and loved ones.”

Through partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, Lakeside Cleaning Professionals assists cancer patients by cleaning two homes per month for two consecutive months free of charge. This will be an ongoing service to cancer patients residing in Orillia and the surrounding areas.

About Lakeside Cleaning Professionals, Inc.

Lakeside Cleaning Professionals, Inc. is a locally owned and operated business launched by Sarah Thompkins in 2021. Thompkins started the business to connect with her local community, provide job opportunities, and support her own family after having her daughter. Providing residential and commercial cleaning services, the company caters to clients’ unique needs through one-time and recurring services. Their primary objective is to serve as an essential support system for clients, offering personalized and tailored cleaning experiences.

“We truly strive to be the missing support system our clients are craving. Whether this is helping busy parents in their home, business owners who need a clean space at the end of the day, or an investor who needs turnover and maintenance support on their rental. Our goal is to support our clients, their priorities, and their lifestyle. Each home, family, and property is vastly different, so we aim to provide a personalized experience and customized cleaning service. We simply want to lighten the load by providing professional services made for you.”

For more information, go to lakesidecleaningprofessionals.ca.

The post Orillia Cleaning Business Helps Cancer Patients By Offering Some Free Cleaning appeared first on Muskoka411.

The report – Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2022 special report on cancer prevalence – was developed by the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with CCS, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The report details that at the beginning of 2018, an estimated 1.5 million people alive in Canada had been diagnosed with cancer in the previous 25 years; approximately 60% of whom were diagnosed 5 to 25 years ago. This highlights the high number of people living long-term with or beyond cancer.

“Investments in research are paying off in the form of better methods of timely detection and more effective treatments, and as a result, we’re now seeing more people surviving cancer and living longer with and beyond the disease,” explains Dr Jennifer Gillis, Senior Manager of Surveillance at CCS. “There has been much accomplished for us to collectively celebrate but these new data also reveal that our work is not nearly done.”

The rising prevalence is also attributable to rising cancer incidence, or more cases diagnosed. In 2012, approximately 193,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Canada, rising to approximately 206,000 in 2017. Today, it is estimated that 233,900 people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022. This growth in incidence is largely due to Canada’s growing and aging population and emphasizes the importance of cancer prevention.

“Increasing prevalence – more people being diagnosed and more surviving – creates long-term strain on our healthcare system and underlines why we must work together to create a system that can evolve as patients’ needs evolve from diagnosis through survival or end of life care,” adds Gillis.

As more people live with or beyond cancer, an already stretched healthcare system will be faced with additional pressures. According to a September 2022 CCS-led report, Living at the crossroads of COVID-19 and cancer, the pandemic has meant delays and interruptions in care for many, which may result in late-stage diagnoses as our healthcare system struggles to cope with additional demand. Without new investments and supporting policies, our healthcare system will be under-resourced to keep up with the growing number of Canadians who will be impacted by cancer.

As the number of people living long-term with or beyond cancer increases, the support needed to ensure quality of life in the post-treatment and survivorship periods will increase as well.

After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for her breast cancer diagnosis at age 30, J. Nadia Headley’s next step was the reconstruction process when suddenly the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Because of the strain the pandemic placed on the healthcare system, the surgeries she needed were rescheduled.

“Because of COVID-19, I had surgeries shifted twice, 4 to 5 months at a time,” says Nadia. “Each shift means the next ones get shifted too. You try to be patient and understand, but you just want to close the chapter on your cancer journey. We need to get better at preventing delays to healthcare.”

CCS is advocating for all levels of government to work together to help create a sustainable healthcare system for the 1.5 million people who need it right now. People in Canada need immediate investments in our healthcare system that ensure equitable and timely access to cancer care services for all, regardless of where they live or where they receive care. We created Voices for Change – a volunteer network for people who want to make a difference – because we know there is a growing community of people impacted by cancer who want to join our efforts to make cancer care better.

“Research is one of our most valuable tools to turn the tide on the rising cancer prevalence in this country,” explains Gillis. “Thanks to advances in research, we are better today than ever before at preventing cancers, detecting them earlier and treating them more effectively, as well as helping people to live well with and beyond cancer.”

For example, because of research, we now know that virtually all cases of cervical cancer are due to HPV infection, that BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene variants play a significant role in breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer risk, and that liquid biopsies can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for people with prostate cancer.

As more people are diagnosed with and survive cancer, more research investments are needed to help reduce cancer risk, improve methods of timely detection, diagnosis and treatment, and ensure people living with and beyond cancer have a high quality of life.

That’s why CCS continues to invest in world-leading research taking place across the country. Over the last 10 years, CCS has invested $640 million in cancer research and with the support of donors, aims to increase our annual investment in research steadily in the coming years. In 2021-22, CCS invested $44.33 million in cancer research that is helping more Canadians prevent cancer, live with and survive cancer, and improve life after cancer.

A key part of enhancing efforts to prevent cancer and support those living with and beyond cancer is CCS’s recent launch of its Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support (CCPS). A first-of-its kind facility in Canada, CCPS leads new nationwide research and programs that help prevent cancer before it happens and address the challenges of life after cancer.

While advances in research will offer long-term solutions to reduce the number of people developing cancer and increase the number of those who survive a diagnosis, supports are vital to help the over 1.5 million people currently living with or beyond cancer.

“From diagnosis to treatment and life after cancer or end-of-life, people need to feel supported throughout the experience, however long that may be,” adds Dr Gillis. “Compassionate support programs are such an important part of the cancer experience; they can help a diagnosis feel less scary, make treatment a little easier and help people facing cancer and survivors thrive.”

For more information on support programs available through the Canadian Cancer Society, visit cancer.ca.

To learn more about cancer in Canada, visit cancer.ca/statistics and view the full report or read the backgrounder. To lend your voice and help make cancer care better, sign up to be a Voice for Change. For programs and services to help you through the cancer experience, visit cancer.ca.

“Timely and accurate data on cancer prevalence in Canada is critical to understanding the disease’s toll on society and our healthcare system. Statistics Canada is proud to contribute to the Canadian Cancer Statistics report, which provides insight into the services and research required to better support the 1.5 million people living with cancer in Canada. Data are invaluable in assessing cancer outcomes, measuring how far we’ve come, and identifying areas for improvement.”

–  Jeff Latimer, Director General, Health Statistics Branch, Statistics Canada

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The boat rally launched in 2013 following the success of its sister event, the Car Rally for Kids. Combined, the two events have raised over $25 million for various charities over the years. This year’s boat rally on Aug. 19 and 20 is an outdoor event where fundraising teams will compete in an Amazing Race-style competition followed by a gala dinner on Saturday evening. The first five teams that raise more than $20,000 get to have a celebrity navigator along for the ride. One of those celebrities is actor John O’Hurley, best known for his role as J. Peterman on Seinfeld.

“It’s nice to be able to return to such a wonderful organization and such a wonderful event,” O’Hurley said. “We’ll be up on [the lakes of] Muskoka with our boat rally trying to raise money for the hospital there at Sunnybrook and also for the Ronald McDonald House here in Toronto, so it’s going to be a lot of fun, but most importantly, we have a good core objective by the end of the weekend.”

O’Hurley had been participating in the car rally for a few years when he decided to join the boat rally in 2017. Both events offer an obstacle course-style challenge where participants have to complete special tasks while solving clues in their race to the finish line.

In 2020, the boat rally was replaced with an online auction while 2021 had all participants on boats with their respective bubbles for a boat parade and concert on the water. The modified approach meant there were no celebrity meet-and-greets, so while he was sad to be away from the rally during COVID, it feels wonderful to be back at it now, O’Hurley said. 

A dozen celebrities, including NHL player Sam Gagner and actor Billy Baldwin, have flown out for the event. Since many have participated in the rally before, it’s like seeing family, O’Hurley said, adding that it’s a way to express the community they feel with each other and do some good at the same time. The event is always a lot of fun, but more than anything, it’s about helping people, especially children, dealing with cancer and other chronic conditions. 

“I’m lucky enough to be the father of a healthy 15-year-old who has just been a joy to raise,” O’Hurley said. “[Participating in the rally is] my thanks for the fact that God blessed me with a wonderful child and I don’t have to go through these incredible emotional and financial difficulties of having a child with some of the afflictions that Sunnybrook is able to pinpoint, with both their cancer treatment and their research.”

Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Centre provides care for a wide range of cancer patients while also working on cancer prevention, detection and education. The centre oversees clinical trials and research to help improve patient outcomes, and it’s one of the largest cancer programs in North America.

The other charity benefiting from the boat rally is Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodations and other resources for sick children and their families. Their facilities allow families to stay together near the hospital where their child is receiving treatment, reducing the cost and complexity of an already difficult process.

Heading into the rally this weekend, O’Hurley is excited to see how much is raised for the two charities, and he encourages permanent and seasonal residents alike to support their fellow Ontarians through the event. Being a part of the boat rally is a summer tradition that O’Hurley plans to uphold for years to come, and it doesn’t hurt that the events bring him back to beautiful Muskoka.

“I see no end in sight,” he said. “I enjoy it and it brings me up to Muskoka, which I just think is one of the truly great lake vistas in North America. It’s just so much fun up there, and I can understand why people embrace it as their summer home.”

For more information on the Boat Rally for Cancer, or to make a donation, visit the event website. For regular updates throughout the weekend, follow the event on Facebook.

The post Actor John O’Hurley Joins 11 Other Celebrities In Boat Rally For Cancer This Weekend appeared first on Muskoka411.

After deciding to take on their longest bike ride yet, Turnbull and Hammond got the idea to make it a fundraiser for a local charity. They ultimately chose Enliven, a cancer centre offering support for patients, survivors and caregivers, as the beneficiary for the event. The two men started their ride midday on Aug. 7, biking from Windermere to Parry Sound and then through Almaguin Highlands before stopping for dinner in Sundridge. They continued on to Sprucedale and Huntsville with a break for a midnight swim in Baysville. The last leg of the ride took them through Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Washago and Port Carling as they looped back to Windermere for a total time of 19 hours and 44 minutes.

“We did this for Enliven because we believe in what they do,” Hammond said in a written statement. “We did this for our community because we believe that organizations like this keep communities strong. We did this to honour those close to us that were taken by this horrible disease that meant the world to us. What we didn’t see coming was the outpouring of support that we would have.”

Hammond said he’s still in disbelief that their original fundraising goal of $1,000 turned into more than $50,000 raised. Turnbull said he’s “grateful, overwhelmed and more than a little delirious after this epic adventure,” and he shares Hammond’s amazement at the support provided by people across Muskoka.

“When Gavin and I decided that we should top our previous long distance by doing a 500km ride this summer, we never thought that it could turn into this tsunami of support for the amazing people at Enliven Cancer Care,” Turnbull said in a written statement. “The ride itself was a challenge, but nowhere near the challenges that people and their families face every day with a cancer diagnosis. We’re beyond thrilled to have put so many eyes on this great organization and to have been the start of such an outpouring of community support.”

Cat Brown, head of Enliven’s fundraising committee, said awareness of Enliven’s services has been slowly growing over the past five years, but this is the first time community members have taken the initiative to raise money and awareness for the organization. The team at Enliven can’t thank them enough for their generosity and support.

“Enliven Cancer Care has been blown away by the overwhelming support we have received on behalf of Scott and Gav,” Brown said in a press release. “Their fundraising efforts have left us in shock and awe at the amazing support they have provided for us. As a small not-for-profit, we rely on community donations and grants to offer our services and this event has raised more for us than we ever could have imagined.”

To learn more about Enliven Cancer Centre, visit their website.

Local Men Set Out To Bike 500 Kilometres In 24 Hours To Fundraise For Enliven Cancer Care Muskoka

The post Local Men Raise $51,550 For Enliven Cancer Care Through 500-Kilometre Bike Ride appeared first on Muskoka411.